Dowdy Lake Campground


Entrance Signs for Dowdy Lake Campground

Dowdy Lake Campground is located near the popular Red Feather Lakes area. It is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. The campground is next to Dowdy Lake in a ponderosa pine forest. Each site contains a tent pad, fire grate and picnic table. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker. The campground has 70 sites, including 10 walk-in tent sites. The back loops close in mid September, leaving 30 sites open year round. All of the sites, except the walk-in tent sites, have electricity and can accommodate RVs of various sizes. There are five double sites available. The complex also includes a day-use area and boat ramp. This campground is extremely popular for fishing, hiking and mountain biking.

View recreation area maps - 1, 2, 3, 4

At a Glance

Current Conditions: First loop is open year round. Back loops are closed.
Reservations: Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 as early as 6 months in advance and at least four days prior to arrival.
Fees: Check detailed fee information on www.recreation.gov or see general fees on our campground table.
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: A single site may hold up to eight people. Double sites will accommodate more people. Tents must fit on the pads provided. RVs, trailers or other vehicles must fit on the parking spur because driving or parking off road is not permitted. The parking length ranges from 30 to 70 feet.
Closest Towns: Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes
Water: Drinking water is usually available through late September.
Restroom: Vault Toilets
Operated By: Vista Recreation

General Information

Directions: Drive 21 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto the Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E) and travel approximately 22 miles. Turn right (north) and travel another mile to signed campground entrance on the right.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

One of the most popular campgrounds on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Dowdy Lake Campground often fills throughout the week! You may find the lakeside camping is worth the extra reservation fee.

No. of Sites 52 RV sites and 10 walk-in sites for tents only
Reservation Info Reservations are accepted at all campsites. Sites can be reserved as early as 180 days in advance up to a minimum of four days prior to arrival. Reservations may be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.
Fire Information Unless fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are allowed in the fire ring provided, dead and down wood may be gathered from the forest if available. Wood may also be purchased from the hosts.

RV Camping

One of the most popular campgrounds on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Dowdy Lake Campground often fills throughout the week! You may find the lakeside camping is worth the extra reservation fee.

No. of Sites 52 sites
Pavement Type for Parking Gravel
Reservation Info Reservations accepted at all campsites. Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 as early as 180 days in advance and at least 4 days prior to arrival. Reservations may be made at www.recreation.gov.
Hookup - Water no
Hookup - Sewer no
Size Restrictions RV sites range from 30 to 70 feet in length.
Dump Stations no
Fire Information Unless fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are allowed. Dead and down wood may be gathered from the forest. Wood may also be purchased from the campground hosts.
Hookups - Electric yes

Lake and Pond Fishing

Ice Fishing

Boating - Motorized

This 62 site campground is adjacent to Dowdy Lake.
Launch Ramps Yes
Motor Type Gas and electric motors allowed as long as they are operated at wakeless speeds.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Featured Events

Location

 
  Latitude : 
40.796352

  Longitude : 
-105.565272

  Elevation : 
8,100'